Region: General | Usage example: She beat him to the punch by filing the patent paperwork first.

Beat to the punch

Meaning

Act before someone else can act.

Used in business and sports contexts to praise quick moves.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Boxing terminology for landing a blow before the opponent.

Appeared in early 20th-century newspaper coverage of boxing and high-speed deals.